Teutonic thrash lords Kreator have just unleashed their fourteenth studio album, Gods of Violence. The record is out now worldwide via the Nuclear Blast label and marks the German legends’ first studio effort in five years. That’s the longest period that Kreator have ever taken between albums in their 30-year career. So, was it worth the wait?

In short, yes! Not only is Kreator at the top of their game musically, but Gods of Violence may just be their most cohesive effort to date. It’s truly amazing when any band has such longevity, but to continue raising the bar when many of your contemporaries have long since fallen out is an extreme rarity.

There are no fewer than six or seven tunes here that are sure to become fan favorites and staples of future live shows. Tracks such as “Satan Is Real,” “Army of Storms,” “Fallen Brother,” “Totalitarian Terror,” “Death Becomes My Light,” and the epic title track all rank among the very best moments in Kreator’s history.

If there is any criticism to be found here it would have to be the occasionally cliche lyrics (remember: English is NOT these guys’ first language) and the fact that singer Mille Petrozza’s voice has never really lent itself well to the more ballady type songs. But that would just be nitpicking. Overall, Gods of Violence is one of the finest servings of thrash that you’re likely to hear this or any year. If you love metal, this one is a must-own.